Pediatric Cancer Care in San Antonio
At CHRISTUS Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Clinic, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate care, focusing on your child’s physical and mental well-being at every step.
We are here to walk alongside you and your child on your journey of hope and healing. At our clinic, you’ll have access to a multidisciplinary team of experts to provide your child with comprehensive, personalized cancer care starting on day one of treatment.
Why Choose CHRISTUS Children’s for Your Child’s Cancer Treatment?
When you choose CHRISTUS Children’s for your child’s cancer treatment, you’re choosing a team of experts dedicated to providing the highest quality of holistic care to your child and your family.
From diagnosis to survivorship, your child will have everything they need during treatment. Our multidisciplinary team has the experience, knowledge, and resources to create personalized treatment plans tailored to your child’s needs.
Hours & Locations
Children's - Cancer & Blood Disorders Clinic
Cancers We Treat
At CHRISTUS Children’s, we treat a variety of cancers and blood disorders including:
- Brain tumors
- Solid tumors
- Leukemia
- Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas
- Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, and idiopathic thrombocytopenia
- Rheumatological conditions, including fibromyalgia and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Types of Cancer Treatments
We offer a range of treatment options for children from newborns to age 18, including
- Chemotherapy
- Transplantation
- Immunotherapy or IVIG
- And more
Our trained nurses and specialists are experienced in administering these therapies and are dedicated to providing compassionate care to your child.
Patient- and Family-Centered Care
At CHRISTUS Children’s, we believe in care, prioritizing the patient and their needs. Through our care, we involve you and your family in every decision regarding your child’s treatment by providing education and support. We understand you know your child best, and we value your input every step of the way.
Multidisciplinary Team at Children’s
At CHRISTUS Children’s, your child will have access to a network of physicians and specialists who work together to provide a personalized treatment plan.
Our team of experts includes:
- Pediatric oncologists
- Orthopedic oncologists
- Oncology nurses
- Researchers, data analysts
- Pharmacists
- Dieticians
- Rehabilitation specialists
- Ophthalmologists, and more.
Our team communicates openly to ensure your child receives a treatment plan prioritizing their overall health and well-being.
Support Services
Your child’s comfort and overall well-being are our top priorities. You have access to a wide range of support services to promote physical healing and to support emotional and mental health throughout treatment.
Your child will have access to:
- Psychologists: trained to help children cope with the emotional stress of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Child life specialists: use play and creative activities to help children understand and process their treatment experiences, easing fears and anxieties associated with treatment procedures.
- Social workers: offer practical assistance and emotional support to families, helping to navigate financial challenges, access community resources, and address any psychosocial concerns.
We also offer holistic support such as mental health screenings for patients and their family members, and in-house school programs to help your child maintain their education while receiving treatment.
Childhood Cancer Programs and Affiliations
Our clinic also maintains partnerships with organizations that offer research, resources, education, and other support for families going through cancer treatment.
Thanks to evidence-based research, improved treatment plans have been developed specifically for children. As a result, the life expectancy of children diagnosed with cancer has improved significantly since the 1970s. According to the National Cancer Institute, 85% of children with cancer now survive five years or more following their cancer diagnosis.
Children's Oncology Group
As a Children's Oncology Group member, our Cancer and Blood Disorders Clinic participates in the world's largest international consortium of childhood cancer specialists. Through this affiliation, we offer each child access to the safest and most effective cancer and blood disorders treatments.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest non-profit health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, providing education, and patient services. Our partnership provides our oncologists with evidence-based research, ensuring our programs are up-to-date with the latest innovations in cancer treatments.
St. Baldrick's Foundation
St. Baldricks's Foundation helps fund research clinical trials and raise awareness for childhood cancer treatments. Their renowned head-shaving events help generate funds and increase awareness about the challenges faced by children with cancer.
Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program
Once you have completed your treatment for childhood cancer or histiocytic disease, it’s time for you to SHINE On! The SHINE On Program empowers childhood cancer survivors and their families to learn all about their diagnosis and treatment. By knowing more about potential long-term side effects of treatment, you can get additional medical treatment and the care you need.
SHINE On helps families build healthy living principles while they are surrounded by positive encouragement from our team.
Our multidisciplinary team includes a pediatric oncologist, nurse coordinator, social worker, and educator. You will have access to doctors in the following pediatric subspecialty areas:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Pulmonology
- Psychology
- Neuropsychology
The comprehensive visit will include physical and emotional screening, laboratory evaluation, and diagnostic tests. To schedule a survivorship visit or learn more about SHINE On, please call 210-704-2187.
Cancer Genetics
Learn MoreCancer Genetics
Our cancer genetics program offers comprehensive genetic evaluation to individuals and families with an increased risk of cancer. Typically, we see families with genetic factors or other conditions that lead to the development of leukemia. In addition, genetic counseling and genetic testing are provided when recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
At CHRISTUS Children’s Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Clinic, we understand that you may have questions and concerns about your child’s treatment. Our team is here to support you every step of the way and provide you with the information and resources you need to make the best decisions for your child’s care.
At CHRISTUS Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorder Clinic, we offer evidence-based treatment plans backed by extensive research and expertise. While we strive to provide the best possible care, we understand it's a daunting decision for you as a parent.
We're here to support you every step of the way, offering education and guidance to help you make informed choices for your child's well-being. Your child's doctor can provide personalized recommendations and address any concerns you may have, ensuring you feel confident in the decisions made regarding your child's treatment plan.
As a parent, wanting the best for your child is your number one priority, and seeking a second opinion on their cancer diagnosis and treatment is understandable. At CHRISTUS Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorder Clinic, we wholeheartedly support your decision to explore all avenues to ensure your child's best care.
Rest assured, our priority aligns with yours: the health, healing, and well-being of your child. Whether you seek a second opinion or entrust our team with your child's care, know that we are here to support you every step of the way.
If you opt for a second opinion elsewhere, you are always welcome to return to CHRISTUS Children’s Cancer Clinic for your child's treatment. Your child's continuity of care and comfort are our utmost priorities, and we are committed to being a steadfast source of support throughout your child's journey.
While it's important to acknowledge that cancer is not always curable, there is hope. According to the American Cancer Society, significant treatment advances have led to an 85% survival rate for children with cancer surviving five years or more. This marks a substantial increase since the mid-1970s when the rate was approximately 58%.
Outcomes can vary based on factors like the stage of cancer, how your child's body responds to treatment, and the cancer's response to therapy. We are committed to leveraging our expertise, resources, and support to facilitate your child's healing journey, aiming for a long, happy, and healthy life ahead.
The duration of the treatment process varies for each child and is influenced by factors such as the cancer stage, the type of treatment needed, and individual response to therapy. Some cases may require several months of treatment, while others may extend over several years.
To ensure your child’s childhood is as uninterrupted during treatment as possible, our clinic offers a variety of support services tailored to meet the needs of each child.
Our dedicated child life specialists are here to ensure your child continues to experience the joys of childhood, providing opportunities for play, creativity, and emotional expression. Our in-house school program enables patients to maintain their education during treatment, fostering a sense of normalcy and connection with their peers. These services support your child's physical health and contribute to their emotional and psychological well-being, helping them thrive despite the challenges of cancer treatment.
Blood & Bone Marrow Transplant Center
The specialists at the Blood & Bone Marrow Transplant Center at CHRISTUS Children's provide the utmost in individualized patient- and family-centered care for pediatric and young adult blood and bone marrow transplant patients.
Our Blood & Bone Marrow Transplant Center team is led by two physicians and a pediatric nurse practitioner with a combined experience in blood and bone marrow transplantation of more than 50 years. They are supported by a staff of dedicated nurses and technicians, ensuring the optimal experience in patient care and comfort. You will have seamless access to outpatient clinical care, laboratory, and diagnostic services. Because we are part of CHRISTUS Children's, you will receive compassionate care every step of the way.
Inpatient Blood & Bone Marrow Transplant
Our inpatient unit is located on the eighth floor featuring eight spacious private rooms, specially ventilated to decrease the risk of infections. Patients and their families have access to a family lounge with a washer, dryer, and kitchen amenities. The Ronald McDonald House is available for patients who live out of town and is conveniently located on the fourth floor of CHRISTUS Children's. A social worker can provide more information about the Ronald McDonald House and other accommodations.
Outpatient Blood & Bone Marrow Transplant
The Outpatient Clinic provides diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of patients who need or have received a transplant. Our dedicated space on the seventh floor of the hospital has all the latest diagnostic technology to provide comfort and care to our children. Our qualified and experienced specialists will explain and answer any questions that patients or their parents may have for a seamless treatment process.